Postseason awards take backseat to wins in Georgia backfield

by Mason Prince

UGA running backs Nick Chubb (27) and Sony Michel (1) are sharing carries this season and still having remarkable years. (Luke Hetrick, WGXA)

ATHENS, Ga. -- We've seen the dynamic duo of Nick Cubb and Sony Michel for a couple of years now. The two of them compliment each other so well in the Georgia backfield that it has turned the Dawgs run game into one of the nation's best. While they share carries the two do not mind to share the spotlight.

Nick Chubb is statistically having the better season, leading the SEC in rushing with 618 yards and eight touchdowns but only ranking 16th in the country. Splitting time with Michel may hurt Chubb's chances at a Doak Walker, Maxwell or even Heisman trophy but coach Smart doesn't believe that goes through Chubb's mind at all.

"If everybody wins then at the end of the day the accolades will come," said Smart on Monday. "I think he's focused on that and he knows whatever is best for the team helps."

Sony Michel has 406 yards and four touchdowns in five games this season and is averaging 6.88 yards per carry. He may not have the more eye-popping stats, but Smart thinks Michel should receive more recognition than he does.

"Sony is the guy that no one talks about and he's had a couple of the best runs that we've had all year and he was really productive the other day," said Smart.

While some players like Penn State's Saquon Barkley and San Diego State's Rashaad Penny may receive more national attention as the feature back, Smart believes that the accolades do not compare to winning football games.

"I think obviously those guys take away from each other when it comes to national recognition because they don't get the carries but they don't care about that," said Smart. "The reason they came back was to win. That's the ultimate goal and right now they're helping us achieve that."

Georgia hosts Missouri at Sanford Stadium on Saturday night. Kickoff is set for 7:30 PM.